Universal block platform

ABSTRACT

A method includes providing a lower platform block ( 300 ) including a first frame ( 315 ), a plurality of docking tubes ( 305 ) connected to the first frame, and a plurality of first conductor tubes ( 310 ) connected to the first frame. At least a first jacket connector block ( 400 ) including a second frame ( 415 ) and a plurality of second conductor tubes ( 405 ) connected to the second frame is releasably coupled to the lower platform block to align the second conductor tubes with the first conductor tubes. A platform deck block ( 500 ) including a third frame ( 515 ) defining a deck and a plurality of third conductor tubes ( 505 ) connected to the third frame is releasably coupled to the first jacket connector to align the third conductor tubes with the first conductor tubes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosed subject matter generally relates to the field ofoil and gas well production and, in one particular example, to auniversal block platform.

BACKGROUND

The development of marginal offshore fields is made difficult due to thecosts associated with field development. Producers are unlikely tosecure internal sanction to allow the development of marginal fields toproceed. Factors that can affect the sanction point can range from basiccapital expenditure (CAPEX) efficiency, deployment issues, lifecycleoperating and maintenance costs. In some cases, complex productionscenarios raise additional issues, such as where the host or tie inpoint cannot handle the raw product being produced. In such situations,the initial cost estimation for the development can be burdened byincreased drilling cost, complex platform and utility design to managethe product, and the installation cost for the platform and flowlines orumbilicals. These costs, coupled with the extended time to build anddeliver the complete customized and engineered structure, results in ahigh CAPEX cost, with high multi-contract and high multi-interfacerisks. The net effect of these contributing factors leads producers toleave these types of reserves dormant, resulting in marginal strandedreserves.

The present application is directed to a universal block platform thatmay eliminate or at least minimize some of the problems noted above.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the subject matterdisclosed herein in order to provide a basic understanding of someaspects of the information set forth herein. This summary is not anexhaustive overview of the disclosed subject matter. It is not intendedto identify key or critical elements of the disclosed subject matter orto delineate the scope of various embodiments disclosed herein. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is discussed later.

An apparatus includes a lower platform block including a first frame, aplurality of docking tubes connected to the first frame, a plurality offirst conductor tubes connected to the first frame, and a firstplurality of connectors connected to the conductor tubes. A jacketconnector block incudes a second frame, a plurality of second conductortubes connected to the second frame, a second plurality of connectorscoupled to first ends of the second conductor tubes to releasably engagethe first plurality of connectors to align the second conductor tubeswith the first conductor tubes, and a third plurality of connectorscoupled to second ends of the second conductor tubes. A platform deckblock includes a third frame defining a deck, a plurality of thirdconductor tubes connected to the third frame, and a fourth plurality ofconnectors coupled to the third conductor tubes to releasably engage thethird plurality of connectors to align the third conductor tubes withthe second conductor tubes.

A method includes providing a lower platform block including a firstframe, a plurality of docking tubes connected to the first frame, and aplurality of first conductor tubes connected to the first frame. Atleast a first jacket connector block including a second frame and aplurality of second conductor tubes connected to the second frame isreleasably coupled to the lower platform block to align the secondconductor tubes with the first conductor tubes. A platform deck blockincluding a third frame defining a deck and a plurality of thirdconductor tubes connected to the third frame is releasably coupled tothe first jacket connector to align the third conductor tubes with thefirst conductor tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Certain aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings, which arerepresentative and schematic in nature and are not be considered to belimiting in any respect as it relates to the scope of the subject matterdisclosed herein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a universal block platform, according tosome embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a foundation block interfacing with alower foundation block, according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 3A-3E show perspective views of a lower platform block, accordingto some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 4A-4J show perspective views of a jacket connector block,according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a platform deck block, according to someembodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the interconnection of the lowerplatform block, one or more jacket connector blocks, and the platformdeck block, according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a jacketconnector block and a lower platform block, according to someembodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the platform deck block withsome equipment mounted to the deck, according to some embodimentsdisclosed herein;

FIGS. 9A-9C are perspective views of portions of a docking receptacle,according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

While the subject matter disclosed herein is susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof havebeen shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described indetail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein ofspecific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosed subjectmatter to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter asdefined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Various illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter aredescribed below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of anactual implementation are described in this specification. It will ofcourse be appreciated that in the development of any such actualembodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made toachieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which will vary fromone implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

The present subject matter will now be described with reference to theattached figures. Various structures, systems and devices areschematically depicted in the drawings for purposes of explanation onlyand so as to not obscure the present disclosure with details that arewell known to those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, the attacheddrawings are included to describe and explain illustrative examples ofthe present disclosure. The words and phrases used herein should beunderstood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with theunderstanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in therelevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., adefinition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning asunderstood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied byconsistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a termor phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning otherthan that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition willbe expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional mannerthat directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for theterm or phrase.

One illustrative example of a universal block platform 100 will bedescribed with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is aperspective view of the universal block platform 100, according to someembodiments disclosed herein. The universal block platform 100 includesa foundation block 200 (shown in FIG. 2 ), a lower platform block 300,one or more jacket connector blocks 400, a platform deck block 500, andone or more production blocks 600A-600K. Sea level is represented bysurface 110, and the sea floor is represented by surface 120. Theplatform deck block 500 includes flexible receptacles that allow aflexible configuration of the production blocks 600A-600K such that theymay be removed and/or replaced during the platform life cycle withoutany offshore construction work to optimally utilize the productionfacility for the actual production scenarios. This arrangement allowsthe universal block platform 100 to support different productionscenarios, for oil, gas, and produced water separation, cleanup,discharge to sea, and sand control on a plug and play basis into theplatform deck block 500. Example production blocks include one or moremanifold module(s), a flow metering module, an over-pressure protectionsystem (OPPS) module, a process/dewatering module, a subsea flowline pigreceiver module, an export pig launcher module, an instrument gaspackage module, a well control panel module, a topside umbilicaltermination assembly (TUTA), a microturbine power generation module, achemical injection module, a vent/drain module, a sand control system,and an export metering or fiscal metering package.

Multiple jacket connector blocks 400 may be employed depending on waterdepth (e.g., from 10 ft-300 ft). The blocks 200, 300, 400, 500 haveinterfacing connectors that allow them to be “snapped” together in thefield to facilitate the fabrication of the universal block platform 100without heavy on-site construction equipment. Smaller constructionequipment, such as a barge, lift vessel, or drilling rig, may beemployed. The universal block platform 100 is capable of handling a widevariety of well fluids (e.g., oil, gas, water) in any combination and insweet or sour conditions. Due to the “snap” connectors provided forsecuring the blocks 200, 300, 400, 500, the universal block platform 100may be fully recovered and redeployed in a different location withoutthe use of heavy lift or construction vessels.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foundation block 200, the lowerplatform block 300, and a portion of a jacket connector block 400,according to some embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, thefoundation block 200 includes a plurality of suction cans 205interconnected by a frame 210. In some embodiments, the universal blockplatform 100 has a tripod configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4J.The foundation block 200 is optional in that not all deployments mayhave solid conditions that support the use of suction cans 205. Othertechniques, such as pilings, may be used to secure the universal blockplatform 100 in such deployments. Each suction can 205 includesinstallation valves for remote operating vehicle (ROV) or surfacesupplied installation and recovery. An integrated pile system allows foreasy recovery. Each suction can 205 includes an associated pile 215where the lower platform block 300 can land and lock into place. In someembodiments, the locking system may employ a land and grout method. Insome embodiments, hydraulic latching connectors are provided forsecuring the lower platform block 300 to the foundation block 200. Thefoundation block 200 is sized to suit the platform maximum operatingweight and a variety of international seabed conditions. The seabedconditions dictate whether the foundation block 200 is used and set as aconventional suction structure or combined with conventional piles.

The lower platform block 300 includes docking assemblies 305 andconductor tubes 310 supported by a frame 315. The frame 315 alsosupports a center conductor guide 320 and outer conductor guides 325that guide the conductors 330 (shown in phantom) as they are inserted.In some embodiments, the conductor guides 320, 325 may have anupwardly-extending funnel shape to account for misalignment with theconductors 330 during insertion, the conductor guides 320, 325 arepositioned to comply with the allotted well bay slots in the platformdeck block 500. The conductor guides 320, 325 provide a secure methodfor the drilling team to run and cement the well conductors 330. In someembodiments, the conductor guides 320, 325 are configured to support therunning and landing of a mud line suspension system (MLS) to facilitatethe development of the offshore fields when the platform is not inposition. In some embodiments, the conductor guides 320, 325 are set ina predetermined pattern to preserve the well slot position, enabling thejacket connectors 400 and platform deck block 500 to be directlyinterfaced with the lower platform block 300 and the wells.

The docking assemblies 305 each includes a piling tube 332 and a frametube 335 connected to the piling tube 332 by a web 340. The web 340allows for separation (i.e., for recovery) of the lower platform block300 from the foundation block 200 when utilized, or a driven structuralsupport pile if used. In some embodiments, a cutting tool may be used tocut the web 340 to allow retrieval of the lower platform block. Notethat the web 340 has an interior window 345 that reduces the amount ofmaterial needed to be cut to separate the lower platform block 300 fromthe foundation block 200. In some embodiments, the piling tube 332interfaces with a pile 215 of the foundation block 200. The sacrificialnature of the docking assemblies 305, which form the structural linkbetween the lower platform block 300 and the foundation block 200 orstructural supporting pile, allow the lower platform block 300 to be cutaway for to improve decommissioning and reduce the refurbish time forre-deployment. The docking assemblies 305 provide full structuralsupport for the platform during its operational life, while retainingthe ability to be quickly cut away and recovered. The lower foundationblock 300 includes connectors 342.

FIGS. 3A-3B include perspective views of an alternative embodiment ofthe lower platform block 300 adapted for use without the foundationblock, according to some embodiments disclosed herein. In someembodiments, where the foundation block 200 is omitted, the piling tubes332 may interface with pilings driven into the sea floor. In someembodiments, the lower platform block 300 includes mudmats 350 supportedby the frame 315 and defined by a plurality of wing members 355. In someembodiments, the wing members 355 span across elements of the frame 315that define a triangular opening. In some embodiments, the frame 315supports integrated accessory lines 360 (e.g., umbilical orimport/export lines) with connector or flanged connections.

FIGS. 3C, 3D, and 3E include perspective views of the mudmats 350, inaccordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the wing members355 have an arcuate cross-section shape. In some embodiments, the wingmembers 355 have an increasing thickness along the length of an arc ofthe arcuate cross-section. The mudmats 350 serve to spread the load indifficult soil conditions to further increase the initial support of thelower platform block 300. The angle and number of wing members 355 canbe varied to adapt to different sea bed configurations and structuralloads.

In some embodiments, the lower platform block 300 allows a “keel” jointof conductor pipe to be passed through the center conductor guide 320 toprovide initial stabilization during installation and to provide asupport for the pile driving process. The “keel” joint can be run andretrieved, or permanently set if required to secure the verticalorientation of the lower platform block 300. The lower platform block300 employs a fixed drill guide, enabling significant reduction in setupand drilling time, where the overall mobilization and location set upcan be compressed by providing a fixed well location. The applicationand use of the lower platform block 300 allows pre-drilling of the wellsusing a mud line suspension system (MLS). This advantage further adjustthe project's capital expenditure and provides a low-cost explorationsolution for early development wells or fields.

The lower platform block 300 provides the main anchor point for anyinfield flowlines or pipelines required for product export or injection,and in some embodiments, an anchor point for control and/or powerumbilical lines. These connections are located at set points andelevations to enable both flow/pipeline and the umbilical connections tobe integrated into the lower platform block 300, and tied into thejacket connector 400 and platform deck block 500, allowing easyinstallation and recovery for reuse. The ability to incorporate thesefunctions within a single structure enables the decoupling of thedrilling and installation process. The lower platform block 300 andflow/pipelines along with any umbilical requirements can be deployed andset off the project's critical path, further decoupling the linearnature of these offshore projects. This arrangement allows for a vesselof opportunity to be utilized for the installation of the lower platformblock 300, foundation block 200, and flow/pipeline installation, furtherreducing the capital expenditure of the development. The design of thefoundation block 200 and the lower platform block 300 enables a drillingrig to install these blocks 200, 300 if required, supported by a layvessel or barge. The drilling rig can use the main draw works to pickthe foundation block 200 and/or the lower platform block 300 off thetransport vessel and install them on the sea bed. The drilling rig canadditionally pick up and install the flow/pipeline and umbilicalconnections. In some embodiments, the foundation block 200 and lowerplatform block 300 are deployed in a similar manner from a deck bargeusing a crawler crane, or a dedicated vessel, where the installationprocess follows the same processes

The foundation block 200 and the lower platform block 300 arere-deployable, where the platform blocks 200, 300 can be disconnectedfrom each other or removed as a single unit. Once the platform structurehas been recovered the flow/pipelines and umbilical's can be left inplace or recovered.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show perspective views of the jacket connector block400, according to some embodiments disclosed herein. The jacketconnector block 400 includes conductor tubes 405 and a center conductorguide 410 supported by a frame 415. The center conductor guide 410 mayhave an upwardly-extending funnel shape to account for misalignment withthe conductors 330 during insertion. The conductor tubes 405 areunobstructed to allow the insertion of conductors 330. The conductortubes 405 include top and bottom (e.g., male and female) connectors 420that lock to the mating connectors 342 of the lower platform block 300,the connectors 420 of another jacket connector block 400, or connectors520 of the platform deck block 500 to allow for attaching and separating(i.e., for recovery) jacket connector blocks 400 from the lower platformblock 300. The connectors 420 may be operated remotely. The frame 415also supports integrated accessory lines 425 (e.g., umbilical,import/export, I-tubes, etc.) with connector or flanged connections.Multiple jacket connector blocks 400 may be provided to account for thewater depth at the installation site. In some embodiments, the multiplejacket connector blocks 400 have different lengths. The conductor tubes405 protect the conductors 330 from impact by a service vessel or boatand attracting additional wave load by the conductor 330. The jacketconfiguration stays the same in the wave zone irrespective of waterdepth and that makes the wave load on the universal block platform 100the same over all water depths. There are no obstructions in theconductor tubes 405 enabling large bore well conductors to be run.

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of two interfacing jacket connectorblocks 400, according to some embodiments disclosed herein. The upperjacket connector block 400 includes removable guides 430A, 430B. Notethat the removable guide 430B is longer than the removable guides 430Asuch that in mates first with the lower jacket connector block 400 toprovide an initial alignment and allow subsequent mating with theremovable guides 430A. In some embodiments, the removable guides 430A,430B are used to provide alignment between the platform deck block 500and the interfacing jacket connector block 400, or between the jacketconnector block 400 and the lower platform block 300.

FIGS. 4D-4J illustrate cut-away views of the removable guides 430A,430B, according to some embodiments disclosed herein, FIGS. 4G/Hillustrating an unlocked position and FIGS. 4I/J illustrating a lockedposition. The removable guides 430A, 430B include body portions 435 andtapered end portions 440. The removable guides 430A, 430B are installedin the interior of the conductor tubes 405. The body portion 435 has alip 445 that interfaces with a shoulder 450 defined in the conductortube 405. In some embodiments, the shoulder 450 is a weld bead formed onan interior surface of the conductor tube 405. Locking members 455engage the lip 445 and the shoulder 450. Each locking member 455includes a stationary member 460 attached to the lip 445 and the bodyportion 435, and a cam member 465 rotatably coupled to the stationarymember 460. A tab 470 defined in the cam member 465 can pass through aslot 475 defined in the body portion 435 to engage a bottom surface ofthe shoulder 450. A sling 480 is attached to the cam members 465 toallow retrieval of the removable guides 430A, 430B. In some embodiments,the removable guides 430A, 430B are lowered through the conductor tube405 using the sling 480 until the lip 445 engages the shoulder 450 andthe locking member 455 engage. When no lifting force is applied by thesling 480, the cam member 465 rotates toward the wall of the bodyportion 435 and the wall of the conductor tube 405. The tab 470 passesthrough the slot 475 and engages a lower surface of the shoulder 450 ina locked position (FIGS. 41 and 4J) of the locking member 455. The sling480 is left in a slack state while the two jacket connector blocks 400shown in FIG. 4B are mated. The locking of the removable guides 430A,430B prevents upward movement of the removable guides 430A, 430B in theconductor tube 405 as upward force is encountered during mating process.

After mating of the jacket connector blocks 400, a lifting force isapplied by the sling 480 to retrieve the removable guides 430A, 430B.The sling 480 causes the cam member 465 to rotate away from the wall ofthe body portion 435 and the wall of the conductor tube 405 to disengagethe tab 470 from the shoulder 450 and allow retrieval of the removableguides 430A, 430B through the conductor tube 405.

Referring to FIGS. 4D and 4E, in some embodiments, a tubular insert 485is attached to the body member 435 to allow removal of the removableguides 430A, 430B should the sling 480 become unavailable or should aremovable guide 430A, 430B become stuck during retrieval. The tubularinsert 485 has the structural strength to allow for a drilling recoveryspear removal tool to be run and latched into the removable guide 430A,430B. A subsequent overpull will release the locking members 455. Insome embodiments, the tubular insert 485 may be used as the onlyretrieval mechanism, and the sling 480 arrangement may be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the platform deck block 500, accordingto some embodiments disclosed herein. The platform deck block 500includes conductor tubes 505 and a center conductor guide 510 supportedby a frame 515. The conductor tubes 505 are unobstructed to allow theinsertion of conductors 330. The conductor tubes 505 include bottomconnectors 520 that lock to the connectors 420 of the jacket connectorblocks 400. The frame 515 supports integrated accessory lines 526 (e.g.,umbilical or input/export lines) with connector or flanged connections.The frame 515 defines a deck 525 that allows the mounting of productionmodules 600 thereto.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the interconnection of the lowerplatform block 300, one or more jacket connector blocks 400, and theplatform deck block 500, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.In some embodiments, the foundation block 200 of FIG. 2 is coupled tothe lower platform block 300. The blocks 200, 300, 400 define a towerfor supporting the platform deck block 500.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a jacketconnector block 700 and a lower platform block 750, according to someembodiments disclosed herein. The jacket connector block 700 and thelower platform block 750 have a quadpod arrangement, compared to thetripod arrangement of FIG. 4 . The jacket connector block 700 includesconductor tubes 705 supported by a frame 710. All four conductors 330are protected by the conductor tubes 705. The conductor tubes 705include top and bottom connectors 715 that lock to the connectors 775 ofthe lower platform block 750 to allow for attaching and separating(i.e., for recovery) jacket connector block 700 from the lower platformblock 750.

The lower platform block 750 includes docking or pile tubes 755 andconductor tubes 760 supported by a frame 765. The frame 765 alsosupports conductor guides 770 that guide the conductors 330 (see FIG. 2) as they are inserted. In some embodiments, the conductor guides 770may have an upwardly-extending funnel shape to account for misalignmentwith the conductors 330 during insertion. The conductor tubes 760include connectors 775 that lock to the connectors 715 of the jacketconnector block 700 and the underlying foundation block (not shown), ifpresent to allow for attaching and separating (i.e., for recovery) thelower platform block 750 and the jacket connector block 700. The frame765 also supports integrated accessory lines (not shown) with connectoror flanged connections. The lower platform block 750 supports aninstallation using a suction can foundation block (not shown), pilingsinserted through the docking tubes 755, or a combination of both. Thearrangement of the foundation block 200 and the platform deck block 500would also change to support a quadpod configuration.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the platform deck block 500 with someequipment mounted to the deck 525. The deck defines a plurality ofdocking receptacles 800A, 800B, 800C, each having predeterminedgeometries to allow various production blocks 60A-600I to be mountedthereto. The receptacles 800A-800C define fixed connection points forall import/export flow lines and fixed well connections. Due to thepredetermined geometries with known piping and electrical tie-inconfigurations, the production blocks 60A-600I may be fabricated offsite. The receptacles 800A are capable of supporting large modules or aplurality of smaller modules. The receptacles 800B support smallmodules, and the receptacles 800C support production piping. Wellmodules 600A (e.g., single, dual, or triple production wellhead, tree,and choke) are either coupled to the deck 525 or floating with nocontact, and align with the conductor tubes 310, 405, 505 or centerconductor guides 320, 410, 510 of the underlying blocks 300, 400, 500.In the illustrated embodiment, four vertical well modules 600A areprovided. A power module 600B (e.g., solar power panels and batteries)are coupled to the deck 525. Installed modules include piglauncher/receiver modules 600C, a micro-turbine 600D, acontrol/communication module 600E, a well control package 600F, and aninstrument gas package 600G. The particular production blocks 600A-600Einitially installed on the deck 525 may vary depending on theinstallation and implementation time frame.

The receptacles 800A-800C provide configurability of the deck 525arrangement to account for the initial production requirements, and, asthe field matures, to allow the adding or subtracting of productioncapability by adding or removing production blocks 600A-600I. Thevarious production blocks 600A-600I may be provided on a rental basis tothe owner of the universal block platform 100 to reduce fixed capitalcosts.

FIG. 8B illustrates the deck 525 after the installation of additionalproduction blocks, including first and second stage processing blocks600, a de-watering/sand control processing block 600, and achemical/water injection block 600J. A well expansion module 600K (e.g.,vertical or horizontal trees, chokes, and manifolds) was provided toincrease the production capacity. Separation/process block feed andreturn connections 810 connect the blocks 600H, 600I to the mainproduction lines. Well to manifold loops 815 connect the well expansionmodule 600K to the well modules 600A. Due to the fixed geometry andknown connection points, the separation/process block feed and returnconnections 810 and the well to manifold loops 815 may be prefabricatedonsite or offsite.

FIG. 9 illustrates the configuration of a docking receptacle 900,according to some embodiments disclosed herein. The docking receptacle900 includes fixed frame members 905, 910, and may be mounted to or bepart of the deck 525 illustrated in FIG. 5 . The docking receptacle 900provides the adjustable connection points to the production blocks600A-600K and the deck process pipework. One of the production blocks600A-600K may be referred to as a production block 600 x. The dockingreceptacle 900 includes movable docking nodes 915. The movable dockingnodes 915 may be mounted at predefined positions along the fixed framemember 905 at predetermined mounting elements 920 machined in the fixedframe member 910 (e.g., stopper/clamp/bolt hole) depending on the sizeof the production block 600 x to be installed. The docking node 915includes a tapered post 925 (i.e., a male connector) extending from aplate 930. The plate 930 is mounted to the frame member 910 at asuitable connection location using mounting elements 920.

The production block 600 x includes a female connector 935 that mateswith and locks to the tapered post 925 of the node 915 (e.g., using atwist lock mechanism, such as a quarter turn cam lock). All utilityconnections are routed via the docking receptacle 900 to the productionblock 600X via tie-in points at fixed locations for instrument air andprocess gas, electrical power, instrument connections, drainconnections, etc.

The production block 600 x provides the base structure in the fixedenvelope to suit the interface points with the mounting elements 920 ofthe docking receptacle 900. This fixed envelope allows the productionblock 600X to be built within a set of known dimensions and fixedinterface points for connection to the docking receptacle 900. Theproduction block 600X houses the various production or separationcomponents as required, along with all the necessary interconnectionsbetween the integral components to allow them to work as a single unit.The ability to pre-fabricate the production block 600X allows them to befully tested and calibrated prior to installation.

In some embodiments, the universal block platform 100 is employed tosupport functionalities other than wells. The modules 600 provided onthe deck 525 depend on the function. The deck 525 may be configured tosupport a water and gas injection module, a process hub module with nodrilled wells on the platform, a gas or oil gathering hub module withfiscal metering, an accommodation modules (e.g., housing, office space,etc.), a wind power module, a power transmission module, a helicopterlanding pad, etc. In some embodiments, multiple universal blockplatforms 100 are connected in a hub and spoke configuration. Oneplatform 100 may support well operations, one platform 100 may support agathering hub, one platform 100 may support accommodations, one platform100 may serve as a helicopter landing pad, etc. In such embodimentswithout well functionality, the conductor tubes 310, 405, 505 of theblocks 300, 400, 500, respectively, do not serve as conduits for routingconductors, but rather serve as structural tubes for supporting theuniversal block platform 100.

The universal block platform 100 provides a pre-engineered, flexible,low cost, light weight platform design that allows platform blocks to bebuilt and stocked to reduce cycle times and provide flexibility in fielddevelopment. The universal block platform 100 allows the development ofa portfolio field in a hub and spoke network arrangement, facilitatingthe development of the fields in an incremental fashion to facilitatethe sanction point. During the entire life cycle of the universal blockplatform 100, components may be swapped or added to suit the productioneconomics. The universal block platform 100 fundamentally reduces theinternal sanction point for development of a marginal field byincreasing the capital deployment efficiency. The universal platformblock 100 eliminates the need for site-specific engineering, thusallowing the full range of production requirements to be managed off thecritical path, where production and process capabilities can be added orremoved without the need for structural or design changes throughout theservice life.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as thedisclosed subject matter may be modified and practiced in different butequivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having thebenefit of the teachings herein. For example, the process steps setforth above may be performed in a different order. Furthermore, nolimitations are intended to the details of construction or design hereinshown, other than as described in the claims below. It is thereforeevident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be alteredor modified and all such variations are considered within the scope andspirit of the claimed subject matter. Note that the use of terms, suchas “first,” “second,” “third” or “fourth” to describe various processesor structures in this specification and in the attached claims is onlyused as a shorthand reference to such steps/structures and does notnecessarily imply that such steps/structures are performed/formed inthat ordered sequence. Of course, depending upon the exact claimlanguage, an ordered sequence of such processes may or may not berequired. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth inthe claims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a lower platform block,comprising: a first frame; a plurality of docking assemblies connectedto the first frame; a plurality of first conductor tubes connected tothe first frame; and a first plurality of connectors connected to thefirst conductor tubes; a jacket connector block, comprising: a secondframe; a plurality of second conductor tubes connected to the secondframe; a second plurality of connectors coupled to first ends of thesecond conductor tubes to releasably engage the first plurality ofconnectors to align the second conductor tubes with the first conductortubes; and a third plurality of connectors coupled to second ends of thesecond conductor tubes; and a platform deck block, comprising: a thirdframe defining a deck; a plurality of third conductor tubes connected tothe third frame; and a fourth plurality of connectors coupled to thethird conductor tubes to releasably engage the third plurality ofconnectors to align the third conductor tubes with the second conductortubes, wherein the first, second, and third conductor tubes combine todefine continuous conductor tubes from the lower platform block to theplatform deck block.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lowerplatform block further comprises a plurality of first conductor guidesconnected to the first frame and aligned with the conductor tubes. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of dockingreceptacles defined in the deck.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein atleast one of the docking receptacles comprises: a frame member, and adocking node coupled to the frame member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4,further comprising a production block mounted to the at least one of thedocking nodes, the production block comprising a production blockconnector releasably connected to the docking node.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the docking node is coupled to the frame member at oneof a plurality of predetermined positions along the frame member.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a foundation block coupled tothe lower platform block, comprising: a fourth frame; a plurality ofsuction cans coupled to the fourth frame; and a plurality of pilescoupled to the fourth frame, wherein the piles engage the dockingassemblies.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each docking assemblycomprises: a pile tube for engaging one of the plurality of piles; aframe tube coupled to the first frame; and a web coupling the frame tubeto the pile tube.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each dockingassembly comprises: a pile tube; a frame tube coupled to the firstframe; and a web coupling the frame tube to the pile tube.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the jacket connector block comprises aplurality of interconnected segments.
 11. A method, comprising:providing a lower platform block including a first frame, a plurality ofdocking assemblies connected to the first frame, and a plurality offirst conductor tubes connected to the first frame; releasably couplingat least a first jacket connector block including a second frame and aplurality of second conductor tubes connected to the second frame to thelower platform block to align the second conductor tubes with the firstconductor tubes; and releasably coupling a platform deck block includinga third frame defining a deck and a plurality of third conductor tubesconnected to the third frame to the first jacket connector to align thethird conductor tubes with the second conductor tubes, wherein thefirst, second, and third conductor tubes combine to define continuousconductor tubes from the lower platform block to the platform deckblock.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the lower platform blockfurther includes a plurality of first conductor guides connected to thefirst frame and aligned with the conductor tubes.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the deck further includes a plurality of dockingreceptacles defined in the deck, and the method further comprisesinstalling a first production block having a first processing capabilityin a first one of the plurality of docking receptacles.
 14. The methodof claim 13, further comprising: removing the first production blockfrom the first one of the plurality of docking receptacles; andinstalling a second production block having a second processingcapability different than the first processing capability in the firstone of the plurality of docking receptacles.
 15. The method of claim 13,wherein the first one of the plurality of docking receptacles includes aframe member and a docking node, and the method comprises: coupling thedocking node to frame member in one of a plurality of predefinedpositions; and coupling a first production block connector of the firstproduction block to the docking node.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising: removing the first production block from the firstone of the plurality of docking receptacles; moving the docking node toa second one of the plurality of predefined positions; and installing asecond production block having a second processing capability differentthan the first processing capability in the first one of the pluralityof docking receptacles by coupling a second production block connectorof the second production block to the docking node.
 17. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising coupling a foundation block including afourth frame, a plurality of suction cans coupled to the fourth frame,and a plurality of piles coupled to the fourth frame and aligned withthe first plurality of docking assemblies to the lower platform dockprior to releasably coupling the first jacket connector block to thelower platform block.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the dockingassemblies each comprises a pile tube for engaging one of the pluralityof piles, a frame tube coupled to the first frame, and a web couplingthe frame tube to the pile tube.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising cutting the web to release the lower platform block from thefoundation block.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the jacketconnector block comprises a plurality of interconnected segments.